If the heart contracts strongly, pumping is good and EF is normal. Stiffness increases when the heart muscle begins to tire.
Know the pumping capacity of the heart
Ejection fraction measures how much blood your heart pumps with each beat, Myoclinic reports. It is expressed as a percentage. It reflects the pumping capacity of your heart. A normal ejection fraction is between 55% and 70%. A low ejection fraction can be a sign of heart failure, as even a healthy heart does not pump 100% of its normal blood volume.
The correct way to measure EF
The easiest and safest way to measure EF is through the echo test. This clearly shows the walls of the heart and shows how much blood the heart is pumping, whether the valves are working properly and how the blood is flowing. It is a good idea to have this test done at least once a year. The EF series also reveals a lot. 55-70 is considered normal, 41-54 mildly impaired, 31-40 moderately impaired, and less than 30 severely impaired.
Causes of Low EF
Low EF can be due to many reasons, such as chronic high blood pressure, history of heart attack, excessive stress, excessive alcohol consumption, uncontrolled sugar levels, blockages, thyroid problems, smoking and some viral infections that weaken the heart muscle. Symptoms of low EF often appear gradually, such as shortness of breath when climbing stairs, fatigue, increased heart rate, swollen legs, or shortness of breath at night.
What to do to strengthen the heart?
Reducing salt intake, light food, morning walk, blood pressure and sugar control, stress reduction and timely sleep and wake up time help in strengthening the heart. However, if you suddenly experience shortness of breath, severe chest pain or rapid heartbeat, you should contact a doctor immediately.
Disclaimer: Some of the information given in the news is based on media reports. Sandesh News does not confirm this matter. You should consult a relevant expert before implementing any suggestion.